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Bail for terror suspect comes with constraints

By Isabel TeotonioStaff Reporter

Sat., Aug. 29, 2009

After more than three years awaiting trial behind bars, homegrown terror suspect Asad Ansari was granted bail yesterday in a Brampton court.

The 24-year-old Mississauga man, who has been described as a marginal member of the so-called Toronto 18, appeared relieved after Superior Court Justice Michael Tulloch delivered his ruling, much of which is covered by a publication ban. The decision elicited sighs of relief from friends and family and prompted Ansari's mother to give defence lawyer Breese Davies a tight hug after it was explained that she could take her son home.

Ansari's lawyer and relatives declined requests for an interview.

Ansari was released on $250,000 bail. He must remain in the family home at all times, with the exception of reporting to police, meeting his lawyer, going to court and attending medical appointments.

He is also allowed out for two hours each Saturday to run errands, but every time Ansari leaves the home, he must be accompanied by a court-approved supervisor.

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Other conditions of his release prohibit contact with his co-accused, use of a cellphone and possession of any electronic device with Internet capability.

He is not permitted to leave Ontario, and his passport and any other travel documents, must be turned over to police. He was also told to apply for electronic monitoring. It was Ansari's fifth application for bail since his arrest in June 2006 for participating in a group that was allegedly plotting to detonate truck bombs in downtown Toronto. He was among 14 adults and four youths charged. Since then, charges against seven have been stayed and two individuals have been convicted.

The trial for Ansari and his remaining co-accused is expected to start early next year.

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